Gourmet Treasures of Malta & Sicily

Your World experiences provide further opportunities for discovery today:

— Set out on a full-day exploration of the region’s magnificent ruins. Admire the well-preserved Doric temple at Segesta. Built around 420 BC, it is one of the finest examples of this type of architecture anywhere in Europe. Then head toward the coast and the town of Erice. Wander past the town’s many historic churches and explore its hilltop castle. Pause for lunch, enjoying sweeping views of the Gulf of Castellammare.

— Head to nearby Monreale Cathedral. The cathedral’s interiors boast a treasure trove of awe-inspiring art, including its elaborate 12th-century mosaics, which illustrate various scenes from Genesis. Following lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is yours at leisure. 

This evening, we savour traditional, seasonal Italian cuisine at Villa Costanza. 

Tracing the northern coast of Sicily, we soon arrive in Cefalù. Renowned for its seafood, the coastal town is blessed with beautiful beaches. We stop here for lunch before continuing east to the town of Milazzo. Here, we join a boat for a crossing to Salina Island. Settle into our idyllic seaside residence, Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia. This evening, we dine at our hotel’s restaurant, whose produce is largely sourced from its own garden.

Our hotel hosts us for a wine tasting this morning. We then further our epicurean pursuits over lunch at a local waterfront restaurant, enjoying views of the famous Stromboli volcano. Afterwards, wander the town of Santa Marina Salina at your leisure, and perhaps browse its many boutique fashion stores. We reconvene this evening for a fine-dining experience within an extraordinary seaside setting at the Michelin-starred Hotel Signum.

Take the ferry to the neighbouring island of Lipari. At the Archaeology Museum, we become further acquainted with the influence that ancient civilisations had upon the region. There’s also plenty of time to enjoy lunch and shopping opportunities while we are on the island. You may prefer to remain at our idyllic hotel. Late this afternoon, embark a private boat for a sunset sailing off the coast Salina Island. Our vessel docks along Stromboli Island and we disembark for dinner. While here, we wait for the sight of majestic Mount Stromboli erupting nearby.

We return to mainland Sicily by ferry this morning, before transferring to the city of Messina, on the island’s north-eastern shore. At Le Casematte Winery, we enjoy a tasting and light lunch, nestled in the hills between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. We then round Faro Point, travelling south to Taormina. Here, we check into Villa Sant’Andrea, which stretches along the shores of the Lido Mazzarò.

A walking tour brings us to Taormina’s historic sites, including the sublime Greek Theatre. Built in the third century BC, the original site was later expanded upon by the Romans, before eventually being used for the purpose of gladiatorial combat. Our explorations across history promote an appetite, so we adjourn to one of Taormina’s quality restaurants for lunch. This afternoon, take the opportunity to wander Taormina at leisure, soaking up the ancient history and vibrant present of its storied streets. Later, make your entrance to the dining room of your choice, as you select from the city’s best restaurants for dinner.

Today, we head to Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, for a full-day exploration with a local guide. While in the area, we also pay a visit to Pietradolce, whose vineyards can be found along the hillsides of Castiglione di Sicilia, on the mountain’s northern slopes. Here, we enjoy lunch and a tasting of their specially cultivated reds and whites. On returning to our palatial accommodation, we take our seats for dinner within its Ristorante Sant’Andrea.

The city of Catania awaits this morning. During a walking tour of the city, we absorb the atmosphere of the Piazza del Duomo, then peruse the offerings available at the vibrant, local fish market. With our hunger aroused, we take our leave and head to one of Catania’s culinary hotspots for lunch. Our journey then continues onward to Syracuse. On arrival, we make ourselves comfortable within our final residence, Ortea Palace Hotel. The nearby waterfront restaurant, Area M, hosts us for dinner this evening. 

This morning, we encounter a fascinating part of Sicily, as we tour the tiny island of Ortigia. Already a Greek settlement prior to the colonisation of most of Sicily, Ortigia is considered the historic centre of Syracuse. A guided walking tour takes us along a network of narrow lanes, populated by bars and boutiques. While sites such as the Temple of Apollo and the Cathedral of Syracuse attest to the historical significance of the area. After dining in one of the island’s many charming restaurants, spend a relaxing afternoon exploring Ortigia on your own terms. Let your senses guide you to one of the city’s many first-rate restaurants this evening.

The town of Noto proudly displays its abundance of baroque buildings. Having been rebuilt in the early 18th century, following a devastating earthquake, it is often referred to as the ‘Garden of Stone’. Noto is also known for its tuna industry, and the harbour can be seen lined with a fleet of blue wooden fishing boats. Further south, we arrive at the seaside village of Marzamemi, whose waterfront restaurants enjoy the fruits of the local artisanal fishermen. Our hotel’s restaurant hosts us for our Farewell Dinner this evening.

Enjoy a final breakfast at our hotel this morning, before we are transferred to Catania’s airport, where our journey concludes.